Anthony M. Bucco

Anthony M. Bucco is a former American politician and attorney who served in the New Jersey state legislature. A member of the Republican Party, he represented the 25th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2010 until 2019 and was appointed to the New Jersey State Senate in 2019. Bucco's political career is marked by his involvement in local governance and his commitment to various community issues, particularly in the areas of public safety and substance abuse prevention.

Early life and career

Anthony M. Bucco was born on April 12, 1962, and is a lifelong resident of the Boonton area in New Jersey. He completed his secondary education at Boonton High School before pursuing higher education. Bucco attended Lycoming College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and managerial economics. He later graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he gained the qualifications necessary to practice law.

Bucco has built a substantial career as a municipal attorney, specializing in local government law. Over the course of more than two decades, he has been involved in various legal matters pertaining to municipal governance. He is currently a partner at the law firm Murphy and McKeon, P.C. His legal expertise has allowed him to represent municipalities in significant state issues, including the Highlands Act and affordable housing laws, often appearing in court on behalf of local governments.

In addition to his legal career, Bucco has been actively engaged in his community. He has served as a volunteer firefighter with the Boonton Fire Department for 28 years, achieving the rank of captain. His commitment to public service extends to his involvement in addressing substance abuse issues; he has been a member of the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse since 1998. Bucco was also instrumental in founding Daytop New Jersey, a rehabilitation center for teenagers dealing with drug and alcohol issues, and has served on its board of directors.

Legislative service

Bucco's entry into politics was marked by his candidacy for the New Jersey General Assembly in 2009, following the announcement by Assemblyman Rick Merkt that he would not seek re-election. Bucco sought to fill the seat previously held by his father, Anthony R. Bucco, who served from 1995 to 1999. His campaign faced competition from Douglas Cabana, a Morris County Freeholder and the brother of Bucco's wife. The primary election was competitive, with Cabana emphasizing his extensive experience in elective office, while Bucco countered with criticisms of Cabana's campaign tactics.

Ultimately, Bucco won the Republican primary by a narrow margin and successfully ran for the general election alongside his running mate, Michael Patrick Carroll. The 25th Legislative District is known for its strong Republican leanings, which facilitated Bucco's subsequent re-elections in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. During his time in the General Assembly, Bucco was involved in various legislative initiatives and served on several committees, contributing to the development of policies affecting his constituents.

In September 2019, following the death of his father, Bucco announced his candidacy for the State Senate seat that had been vacated. He continued to campaign for re-election to the Assembly while seeking the Senate position. Bucco was appointed to the Senate after winning a special convention held by the Republican committee members of the 25th district. He subsequently won the Assembly seat for which he was campaigning in the November general election but chose not to take his seat in the Assembly for the new term, allowing for the appointment of a new Assemblyperson from his party.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Bucco has focused on a range of issues pertinent to his constituents in the 25th Legislative District. His legal background has informed his approach to governance, particularly in areas related to local government law and public safety. His long-standing commitment to community service is reflected in his advocacy for policies aimed at enhancing public safety and addressing substance abuse.

As a member of the New Jersey Senate, Bucco serves as the Republican Leader and has taken on significant leadership roles within the legislative body. His committee assignments for the 2024–2025 Legislative Session include the Judiciary Committee, where he contributes to discussions and decisions regarding legal and judicial matters affecting the state.

The 25th Legislative District, which Bucco represents, is characterized by its Republican majority and includes a diverse population with various local concerns. Bucco's legislative efforts have aimed to address these concerns while also maintaining a focus on broader state issues. His involvement in community organizations, such as the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers program, further underscores his commitment to public safety and community well-being.

In summary, Anthony M. Bucco's career as a state legislator has been defined by his legal expertise, community involvement, and dedication to public service. His tenure in both the New Jersey General Assembly and the State Senate reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents while navigating the complexities of state governance.